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Scouting Report: Best tight end draft prospects

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Giants.com takes a look at NFL.com's scouting reports on the 2017 draft prospects:

Leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Media's Mike Mayock unveiled his first position-by-position rankings for the 2017 NFL Draft. The draft expert will update this list a few times before the first round eventually kicks off April 27 in Philadelphia.

In the meantime, Giants.com will take a closer look at each position. Today, we break down Mayock's top five prospects at tight end:

O.J. HOWARD, ALABAMA

Height: 6-6
Weight: 249
NFL.com Scouting Report: Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between "potential weapon" and "elite tight end" will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character. NFL comparison: Julius Thomas.

DAVID NJOKU, MIAMI

Height: 6-4
Weight: 245
NFL.com Scouting Report: Ascending pass catching talent with elite athleticism and enough fight in his run blocking to believe that he can be lined up anywhere on the field at any time. Njoku should annihilate the combine with monster numbers in speed and explosion, but his play on the field shows he's more than a combine warrior. He is still growing into his body and has to add to his play strength, but his playmaking potential and elite traits should make him a first-round pick and a future Pro Bowler. NFL comparison: Greg Olsen.

NFL.com names the top 50 prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.

EVAN ENGRAM, OLE MISS

Height: 6-3
Weight: 236
NFL.com Scouting Report: Makes up for his lack of size with athletic ability and plus speed for the position. Engram has experience as a safety blanket for Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly and can work all three levels of the field. He will appeal strictly to teams looking for a move tight end who can be deployed as a chess piece in a matchup-based passing attack. Engram's ability to stress defenses could land him on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft and a potential starting role early in his career. NFL comparison: Jordan Reed.

JAKE BUTT, MICHIGAN

Height: 6-6
Weight: 250
NFL.com Scouting Report: In-line tight end with strong, natural hands and the toughness to make a living in the middle of the field as a chain-moving safety blanket. While he's shown ability to operate as an intermediate target as well, he might lack the athleticism and separation to uncover against NFL safeties and some linebackers in man coverage. Butt must improve greatly as a blocker to reach his potential as a Y tight end. However, his ability as a reliable, productive target should earn him an early starter's nod with a chance to become a solid pro. NFL comparison: Zach Miller.

GERALD EVERETT, SOUTH ALABAMA

Height: 6-3
Weight: 227
NFL.com Scouting Report: Everett has size, speed and tremendous run-after-catch potential, but it is his willingness and ability to block that separates him from other "matchup" tight ends. Route running is below average, but he should improve with NFL coaching. Everett has the talent to become a very good NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential if he puts it all together. NFL comparison: Brandon Marshall.

Next on Giants.com: offensive tackles…

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NFL.com's Mike Mayock ranked the top player at each position in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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